I read the user reviews before watching the episode, which I had recorded. One reviewer made the comment that Laura falling for "the bartender" seemed unbelievable. But when I watched the episode, I realized that the "night in shining armor" who kept a protective and watchful eye on Laura was none other than the owner of the Longbranch, Bill Pence, who later became a 50/50 partner with Kitty in the episode "Daddy-O". I could not recall another episode in which Bill Pence was much more than an "extra" with a smattering of lines to say after becoming Kitty's partner. I actually enjoyed seeing him featured in this episode. It implied a possible romance, but I don't think I recall Bill Pence ever being a central character (other than this episode) behind the bar to the same extent that Sam eventually became in later seasons.